Output management system and method for enabling access to private network resources

Abstract

A system and method for managing output such as printing, faxing, and e-mail over various types of computer networks. In one aspect, the system and method provides for accessing print and / or document resources located on private networks behind firewalls. A pass-through communication link is established between system components located on opposing sides of a firewall. A system-served user-interface enables users to select source data and an output device on which the source data are to be printed, either or both of which may reside behind the firewall. The source data are then retrieved and forwarded to a print service, which renders output image data corresponding to the source data and the selected output device. The output image data are then submitted to the output device to be physically rendered. Access to private resources is provided by the pass-through communication link. The system also enables documents to be printed by reference.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] The present application is based on co-pending provisional applications entitled “METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR WIRELESS DOCUMENT PRINTING, VIEWING AND SHARING,” Ser. No. 60 / 314,412, filed on Aug. 22, 2001, and “METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PRINTING AND FORMATTING DOCUMENTS AND OUTPUT RESOURCE MANAGEMENT FROM MOBILE DEVICES” Ser. No. 60 / 351,754, filed on Jan. 23, 2002, the benefit of the filing dates of which are claimed under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e), and on co-pending non-provisional applications entitled “UNIVERSAL PRINTING AND DOCUMENT IMAGING SYSTEM AND METHOD,” Ser. No. 10 / 098,832, filed on Mar. 13, 2002, and “METHOD TO PRINT VIA E-MAIL,” Ser. No. 10 / 098,832, filed on Mar. 21, 2002, the benefit of the filing dates of which are claimed under 35 U.S.C. § 120. In addition, the specification and drawings of each of the co-pending non-provisional application are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The field of invention relates...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention is a system and method for managing output over computer networks. It allows access to print and document resources on private networks behind firewalls. The system provides a user-interface on the originating device, allowing users to select source data and output device on which the source data are to be printed. The source data are then retrieved and forwarded to a print service, which renders output image data corresponding to the source data and the selected output device. The output image data are then submitted to the output device to be physically rendered. The system also enables documents to be printed by reference.

Problems solved by technology

In today's fast-paced mobile business environment, this limited printing solution is no longer satisfactory.

While legacy printing technologies certainly have advanced to output document faster with higher resolution, improved quality, and color, there has been little effort to develop a printing technology that fits today's mobile workforce.

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